Jackie Tyree Kos

I began volunteering at SCO’s Madonna Heights program in 1972, when my parents, Bill and Barbara Tyree, got involved. Then twenty-five years ago, I volunteered to start a 4H program for the girls at Madonna Heights. That 4H program is still going on and I look forward to Monday nights, bringing snacks and a special activity for the girls. Of course, for us it is still a family affair, and today, my daughters and my daughter-in-law are all Madonna Heights volunteers, too.

Why I support SCO

I was inspired by my parent’s commitment to SCO, and for many years I just pitched in and helped them with their projects. But it was only when I started volunteering directly with the girls that I came to fully understand what a difference a volunteer can make. The girls at Madonna Heights are just like all kids their age: they need love and support, but they just don’t always have easy access to those things. When I meet them later as successful adults, I can see what a difference love and support can make.

What I love about SCO

The programs and staff at SCO are amazing. It’s exciting to be involved with an agency that is doing so much good for so many people… like the young women who periodically see me and still remember what a difference we made in their lives.

Program Spotlight

For over 50 years, SCO's Foster Care practice has been helping children and their families grow, heal and thrive. We find safe, temporary families for children and teens throughout New York City and Long Island.

2014 Art Auction A Great Success

The 4th Annual SCO Family Dynamics Art Auction was a huge success! Thanks to our wonderful supporters and all the artists who donated their work, last night’s benefit raised a record amount and will help us to expand after-school arts programming in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick and Brownsville. Thanks, everyone!

4th Annual SCO Family Dynamics Art Auction A Great Success

The 4th Annual SCO/Family Dynamics Art Auction on April 28th was the most successful yet, raising funds to support and expand the after-school art program for children at MS 35 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

“New Knowledge,” a painting featuring the neon palate and wildly inventive architecture of Williamsburg artist Erik Parker, won the largest bid. The benefit, held at Site 109 on the Lower East Side, drew 200 attendees who participated in a live and silent auction including works by artists Robert Szot, Ron Diorio Ron Agam, Ryan Keeley, Jim Plunkett and Dan Rizzie, all of whom donated their work. The children in the art program created and donated “Carousel Horse Collage” representing one of the horses on Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

“We are very grateful to everyone who supports our programs,” said SCO Executive Director Gail Nayowith. “Thanks to all of you, our children at Family Dynamics are getting a rich exposure to creativity, a critical doorway to dreaming and self-expression.” According to a recent report by Comptroller Scott Stringer, 28% of public schools lack an art teacher – and half those schools are in Central Brooklyn and the South Bronx.

Erik Parker was this year’s Honorary Chair; previous honorary chairs for the Auction have included Julian Schnabel in 2011, Dustin Yellin in 2012 and Donald Sultan in 2013. The event was co-chaired by Jeremy FitzGerald and Joni Grossman.

Family Dynamics, a program of SCO Family of Services, is committed to protecting children and strengthening families. Based in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick, and Brownsville, Brooklyn, Family Dynamics annually reaches 7,000 children, youth and adults with after-school & summer school activities, workforce readiness, family support services and the arts. Some 100 students now attend the after-school art program and Family Dynamics plans to expand the number served by 75 in the next school year.